Curious about what exotic pets are legal in Arkansas? Then read on! Please note that this is not an all inclusive list, but only includes animals we personally work with here at Exotic Pet Wonderland. (And bats. We don’t work with those we just get a lot of questions about them.)
Questions about an animal not on this page? Send us an email and we will find out!
Relevant Exotic Pet Laws for Arkansas
Here are the actual exotic pet laws for the state of Arkansas. Please note that exotic pet laws are often unclear, and contacting your states’ game department is always the best bet to clarify. For the purpose of this article, we did personally reach out to Arkansas’ Game and Fish Commission for clarification.
More relevant Arkansas exotic pet laws can be found below.
https://apps.agfc.com/regulations/09.14/
Are Pet Foxes Legal In Arkansas?
Yes. Many species of fox are legal to keep as pets Arkansas, however the laws differ depending on the species. For more information on individual species of fox, please read below. We are currently working to gain clarification on the legality of fennec foxes and pale foxes in Arkansas.
Are Arctic Foxes Legal In Arkansas?
Yes, pet arctic foxes are legal in Arkansas with a permit.
For information on getting a permit for an Arctic Fox in Arkansas, you must Contact ACFG Licensing at 833-345-0325.
For the specific laws on keeping Arctic Foxes in Arkansas, please reference this page.
Are Red Foxes Legal In Arkansas?
It is legal to keep a red fox as a pet in Arkansas.
After July 1st 2022, you can no longer take Red Foxes from the wild in Arkansas.
As long as the animal was taken before July 1st 2022, you can keep up to six animals from Arkansas’s list, which includes foxes, if they are taken “by hand” from the wild.
Once taken, the fox must remain in the owner’s custody. The fox cannot be sold or rehomed. If the owner wishes to get rid of the fox, it can only be turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Males and females foxes are required to be kept in separate enclosures unless they have been neutered. These foxes may only leave the state with permission from the Chief of Wildlife Management.
As far as captive bred red foxes, Arkansas state law states “Individuals may purchase and own up to six per household of captive-born, commercially obtained native wildlife species, including Red Foxes, as personal pets. Animals must have been purchased from a Commission-permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealer, brought into Arkansas with a Wildlife Importation Permit, or purchased from a legal owner that registered the sale with the Commission. Owners must have proof of legal ownership. Males and females must be kept in separate pens unless they have been neutered to prevent reproduction. Although breeding of pets held under this regulation is illegal, owners may sell up to 20 individual animals per calendar year without obtaining a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer permit. Such sales need to be registered with the Commission.”
For information on getting a permit for a captive bred Red Fox in Arkansas, you must Contact ACFG Licensing at 833-345-0325.
It is still illegal to purchase from breeders who are not USDA permitted, and federally illegal and considered wildlife trafficking to sell red foxes without a USDA permit.
Are Fennec Foxes Legal In Arkansas?
Pet Fennec Foxes are currently not legal in Arkansas. However, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is currently evaluating the Fennec Foxes to determine whether or not they will be made legal or not.
Are Pale Foxes Legal In Arkansas?
Pet Pale Foxes are currently not legal in Arkansas as they have not been evaluated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. If you wish to have a pet pale fox in Arkansas, please reach out to them to see about getting them evaluated.
Are Gray Foxes Legal In Arkansas?
It is legal to keep a gray fox as a pet in Arkansas.
After July 1st 2022, you can no longer take gray foxes from the wild in Arkansas.
As long as the animal was taken before July 1st 2022, you can keep a gray fox if it was taken “by hand” from the wild.
Once taken, the fox must remain in the owner’s custody. The fox cannot be sold or rehomed. If the owner wishes to get rid of the fox, it can only be turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Males and females foxes are required to be kept in separate enclosures unless they have been neutered. These foxes may only leave the state with permission from the Chief of Wildlife Management.
As far as captive bred red foxes, Arkansas state law states “Individuals may purchase and own up to six per household of captive-born, commercially obtained native wildlife species, including gray foxes, as personal pets. Animals must have been purchased from a Commission-permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealer, brought into Arkansas with a Wildlife Importation Permit, or purchased from a legal owner that registered the sale with the Commission. Owners must have proof of legal ownership. Males and females must be kept in separate pens unless they have been neutered to prevent reproduction. Although breeding of pets held under this regulation is illegal, owners may sell up to 20 individual animals per calendar year without obtaining a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer permit. Such sales need to be registered with the Commission.”
For information on getting a permit for a captive bred gray fox in Arkansas, you must Contact ACFG Licensing at 833-345-0325.
It is still illegal to purchase from breeders who are not USDA permitted, and federally illegal and considered wildlife trafficking to sell gray foxes without a USDA permit.
Are Tanuki's/Raccoon Dogs Legal In Arkansas?
No, pet raccoon dogs/tanukis are not legal in Arkansas, or an any other state. Read more information on why raccoon dogs are illegal everywhere here.
Are Mink Legal in Arkansas?
Pet mink are legal in Arkansas so long as you have a permit.
For information on getting a permit for a pet mink in Arkansas, you must Contact ACFG Licensing at 833-345-0325.
For the specific laws on keeping mink in Arkansas, please reference this page.
Are Raccoons Legal In Arkansas?
It is legal to keep a raccoon as a pet in Arkansas under certain circumstances.
You can keep up to six animals from Arkansas’s list, which includes raccoons, if they are taken “by hand” from the wild.
Once taken, the raccoon must remain in the owner’s custody. The raccoon cannot be sold or rehomed. If the owner wishes to get rid of the raccoon it can only be turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Males and female raccoons are required to be kept in separate enclosures unless they have been neutered. These raccoons may only leave the state with permission from the Chief of Wildlife Management.
Captive bred raccoons are not legal in Arkansas.
Are Coyotes Legal In Arkansas?
Yes. It is legal to keep a pet coyotes in Arkansas.
After July 1st 2022, you can no longer take Coyotes from the wild in Arkansas.
As long as the animal was taken before July 1st 2022, you can keep a coyote if it was taken “by hand” from the wild.
Once taken, the coyote must remain in the owner’s custody. The coyote cannot be sold or rehomed. If the owner wishes to get rid of the coyote, it can only be turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Males and females coyotes are required to be kept in separate enclosures unless they have been neutered. These coyotes may only leave the state with permission from the Chief of Wildlife Management.
As far as captive bred coyotes, Arkansas state law states “Individuals may purchase and own up to six per household of captive-born, commercially obtained native wildlife species, [including coyotes] as personal pets. Animals must have been purchased from a Commission-permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealer, brought into Arkansas with a Wildlife Importation Permit, or purchased from a legal owner that registered the sale with the Commission. Owners must have proof of legal ownership. Males and females must be kept in separate pens unless they have been neutered to prevent reproduction. Although breeding of pets held under this regulation is illegal, owners may sell up to 20 individual animals per calendar year without obtaining a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer permit. Such sales need to be registered with the Commission.”
For information on getting a permit for a captive bred coyote in Arkansas, you must Contact ACFG Licensing at 833-345-0325.
It is still illegal to purchase from breeders who are not USDA permitted, and federally illegal and considered wildlife trafficking to sell coyote without a USDA permit.
Are Coydogs Legal In Arkansas?
Yes, coydogs are legal to keep as pets in Arkansas. You do not need a permit to keep a coydog in Arkansas.
Are Lynx Legal in Arkansas?
Yes, pet lynx are legal in Arkansas with a permit.
For information on getting a permit for a lynx in Arkansas, you must Contact ACFG Licensing at 833-345-0325.
For the specific laws on keeping lynx in Arkansas, please reference this page.
Are Bobcats Legal In Arkansas?
Yes. It is legal to keep a pet bobcat in Arkansas.
After July 1st 2022, you can no longer take bobcats from the wild in Arkansas.
As long as the animal was taken before July 1st 2022, you can keep a bobcat if it was taken “by hand” from the wild in Arkansas.
Once taken, the bobcat must remain in the owner’s custody. The bobcat cannot be sold or rehomed. If the owner wishes to get rid of the bobcat , it can only be turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Males and females bobcats are required to be kept in separate enclosures unless they have been neutered. These bobcats may only leave the state with permission from the Chief of Wildlife Management.
As far as captive bred bobcats , Arkansas state law states “Individuals may purchase and own up to six per household of captive-born, commercially obtained native wildlife species, [including bobcats] as personal pets. Animals must have been purchased from a Commission-permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealer, brought into Arkansas with a Wildlife Importation Permit, or purchased from a legal owner that registered the sale with the Commission. Owners must have proof of legal ownership. Males and females must be kept in separate pens unless they have been neutered to prevent reproduction. Although breeding of pets held under this regulation is illegal, owners may sell up to 20 individual animals per calendar year without obtaining a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer permit. Such sales need to be registered with the Commission.”
For information on getting a permit for a captive bred bobcat in Arkansas, you must Contact ACFG Licensing at 833-345-0325.
It is still illegal to purchase from breeders who are not USDA permitted, and federally illegal and considered wildlife trafficking to sell bobcats without a USDA permit.
Are Wolfdogs Legal In Arkansas?
Yes. Pet wolfdogs are legal in Arkansas without any kind of permit.
Are Servals Legal In Arkansas?
Yes, pet servals are legal in Arkansas.
For information on getting a permit for a pet serval in Arkansas, you must Contact ACFG Licensing at 833-345-0325.
For the specific laws on keeping servals in Arkansas, please reference this page.
Are Savannah Cats Legal In Arkansas?
Yes, pet Savannah cats are legal in Arkansas. You do not need a permit to own a Savannah cat in Arkansas.
Are Asian Leopard Cats Legal in Arkansas?
Pet Asian leopard cats are currently not legal in Arkansas. However, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is currently evaluating Asian leopard cats to determine whether or not they will be made legal or not.
Are Bengal Cats Legal In Arkansas?
Yes, Bengal cats are legal in Arkansas. You do not need a permit to own a Savannah cat in Arkansas.
Are Skunks Legal In Arkansas?
No, pet skunks are not legal in Arkansas. You cannot keep a skunk as a pet in Arkansas.
Are Opossums Legal In Arkansas?
Yes, opossums are legal to keep as pets in Arkansas.
You can keep up to six animals from Arkansas’s list, which includes raccoons, if they are taken “by hand” from the wild.
Once taken, the opossum must remain in the owner’s custody. The opossum cannot be sold or rehomed. If the owner wishes to get rid of the opossum it can only be turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Males and female opossums are required to be kept in separate enclosures unless they have been neutered. These opossums may only leave the state with permission from the Chief of Wildlife Management.
As far as captive bred opossums, Arkansas state law states “Individuals may purchase and own up to six per household of captive-born, commercially obtained native wildlife species [including opossums] as personal pets. Animals must have been purchased from a Commission-permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealer, brought into Arkansas with a Wildlife Importation Permit, or purchased from a legal owner that registered the sale with the Commission. Owners must have proof of legal ownership. Males and females must be kept in separate pens unless they have been neutered to prevent reproduction. Although breeding of pets held under this regulation is illegal, owners may sell up to 20 individual animals per calendar year without obtaining a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer permit. Such sales need to be registered with the Commission.”
It is still illegal to purchase from breeders who are not USDA permitted, and federally illegal and considered wildlife trafficking to sell pet opossumswithout a USDA permit.
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Are Bats Legal In Arkansas?
No, pet bats are not legal in Arkansas. You cannot keep a bat as a pet in Arkansas.
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